GEP 101, First-Year Foundations, Fall 2014
Section ____
Instructor:
Email:
Office Location:
Office Phone:
Office Hours
Peer Leader:
Email:
TEXTBOOKS AND RESOURCES
REQUIRED
 Barefoot, B. & Gardner J. Step by Step to College and Career Success, 5th edition. Boston: Bedford St.
Martins, 2013.
 Greitens, Eric. The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011. (Common Reader)
 Access to MyMissouriState live@edu accounts to stay connected to both class and university announcements
and to access our Blackboard site
RECOMMENDED
 Personal Planner
 Missouri State University Undergraduate Catalog 2014-2015 (online)
http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/catalog
 The Current Students page on the University website http://www.missouristate.edu/student.htm
COURSE DESCRIPTION
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
An integrative and interdisciplinary experience that addresses public affairs issues and individual choices
promoting academic success. Required of all freshmen during their first semester. Honors students must
substitute UHC 110 for this class.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
GEP 101 is a required foundational course that fulfills five general learning goals in the new general education
program. These five general goals include the areas of Public Affairs, information literacy, and collaboration.
Specific learning outcomes for these goals are described in the General Education Learning Goals and Specific
Learning Outcomes section of the syllabus. This course must be passed to graduate.
GENERAL EDUCATION ASSESSMENT
Pre- and post-tests, surveys, or other assessment instruments may be periodically administered to ensure
students are accomplishing general education goals.
GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING GOALS & SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES
This section describes the General Education learning goals and specific learning outcomes, in addition to the
GEP 101 course goals and objectives. Note: GEP 101 course goals designated with superscripts (E.g., 1,2,3,4,5 )
address General Education goals as indicated starting on page two.
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GEP 101 COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
1,2,5 Goal
1: Students will develop the necessary skills to be academically successful and will understand
the role of scholarship in the University and in larger society.
1
Objective A1: Students will develop information literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills in
an academic area by successfully completing a research project or scholarly paper and orally presenting
a summary of findings.
Objective B1: Students will develop knowledge and skills related to student success. (e.g., Goal Setting,
Learning Styles, Study Skills, Time Management, Personal Finance, graduation plans, etc.)
5
Objective C1: Students will follow policies and practices of academic integrity and ethical behavior
expected in the academic community.
Goal 2: Students will comprehend the importance of the University’s Public Affairs Mission, which
includes community engagement, cultural competence and ethical leadership.
2,3,4, 5
Objective A2: Students will be able to articulate and apply the University’s Public Affairs Mission
through a critical analysis of a common reader.
2,3,4,5
2, 3,4,5
Objective B2: Students will create a collaborative group project, presentation, or participate in a
service activity that illustrates the connection of the Public Affairs Mission to an academic course topic.
3,4
Objective C2: Students will be exposed to divergent perspectives in order to build an understanding
of how diverse ideas strengthen a community.
2
Goal 3: Students will establish campus connections and a supportive network of faculty, staff, and other
students to facilitate a successful transition to the university.
Objective A3: Students will identify avenues for participation in student organizations and co-curricular
activities.
2
Objective B3: Students will establish effective working relationships with their instructors, academic
advisor, and other campus personnel as necessary.
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS
GEP 101 is a required foundational course that fulfills several general goals (GG) and specific learning
outcomes (SLO) in the new general education program. Several GEP 101 course goals also meet the general
education goals as indicated below.
1
Meets general goal (GG) 6, specific learning outcome (SLO) 2: Information Literacy
 GG6: Students will be able to know when there is a need for more information and then be able to
identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information for a particular
problem.
 SLO2: Access information using a variety of search strategies and relevant resources.
2
Meets GG7, SLO1: Collaboration
 GG7: Students will be able to understand the collaborative process and work collaboratively with others
to solve problems and make informed decisions.
2

SLO1: Demonstrate understanding of the roles, skills, and behaviors required for effective teamwork
and goal attainment.
3
Meets GG12, SL04: Public Affairs/Community Engagement
 GG12: Students will be able to recognize the importance of contributing their knowledge and
experiences to their own communities and the broader society.
 SLO4: Recognize the needs of the communities to which they belong and understand how to address
those needs.
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Meets GG13, SL03: Public Affairs/Cultural Competence
 GG13: Students will be able to recognize and consider multiple perspectives and cultures.
 SLO3: Identify the importance and best practices of developing skills for working/interacting with
others.
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Meets GG14, SLO1: Public Affairs/Ethical Leadership
 GG14: Students will be able to articulate their value systems, understand the ethical implications of their
actions based on those values, and develop skills consistent with having a positive impact on
individuals, groups, or communities.
 SLO1: Engage in self-evaluation of their personal values and the degree to which their ethical values
and behavior are congruent.
COMMON READER GOALS
It is to provide a common academic experience and create a greater sense of community among students,
faculty, and staff. In addition, it is to provide an introduction to intellectual life at Missouri State University.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
GRADING AND ASSIGNMENTS
I will total the number of points available for the course and the points you have earned to figure your final
grade using the following scale, which also applies to all assignments:
A = 93 – 100%; A- = 90 – 92; B+ = 87 – 89%; B = 83 – 86%; B- = 80 – 82%; C+ = 77 – 79%;
C = 73 – 76%; C- = 70 – 72%; D+ = 67 – 69%; D = 60 – 66%; F = 59.99% and below.
See Course Requirements Rubric for assignment of point values and details
ATTENDANCE AND MAKE UP POLICY
Here are the guidelines for attendance in GEP 101:
 If you are not in class, you are still responsible for the information. Students have the option of getting all
information from a classmate or Blackboard if an absence is required.
 If you will be absent from class for a university-sanctioned event, you need to present written
documentation to me PRIOR to the class you will miss in order to make up points.
 I do not tolerate tardiness. Be to class on time or you will lose 5 participation points.
 If you have an emergency, contact the Academic Advisement Center (417-836-5258), and an advisor will
notify your instructors.
Bottom line: If you’re not here, you will miss valuable input from your classmates, as well as the understanding
provided through class discussions. I expect you to be here, ready to think and participate.
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LATE WORK POLICY
All assignments are due on the date specified in the syllabus or per the instructor. All assignments turned in
after the specified deadline will be considered “late” and automatically receive zero credit. I repeat, I DO NOT
ACCEPT LATE WORK. Necessary skills in life and your future career are time management and the ability
to meet deadlines. I understand “life happens” sometimes, so be sure to speak with me as soon as possible if you
have a problem with a deadline. Exceptions may be made with verifiable emergencies/obligations; however, it
is your responsibility to speak with me PRIOR to an assignment being due.
E-MAIL POLICY
When sending any e-mails to the instructor, be sure to write your class section in the subject line. For example:
“GEP 101, Section 81, Chapter 7 Question”. Failing to place this information in the subject line may result in
your e-mail getting lost or misplaced. Please allow me 24 hours to respond to your e-mail during the week and
48 hours on the weekends.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
 Come to class prepared and be ready to actively participate in all class sessions.
 Put all electronic devices on silent/vibrate and off your desk.
 Be respectful of the instructor and your fellow classmates.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
At the first class meeting, students should become familiar with a basic emergency response plan through a
dialogue with the instructor that includes a review and awareness of exits specific to the classroom and the
location of evacuation centers for the building. All instructors are provided this information specific to their
classroom and/or lab assignments in an e-mail prior to the beginning of the fall semester from the Office of the
Provost and Safety and Transportation. Students with disabilities impacting mobility should discuss the
approved accommodations for emergency situations and additional options when applicable with the instructor.
For more information, go to http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/51597.htm and
http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/erp.htm.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the
responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following the
university’s student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures at the following website:
http://www.missouristate.edu/assets/policy/AcademicIntegrityPolicyRev-1-08.pdf. Any student participating in
any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and maintains a grievance
procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your
right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office for Institutional Equity and
Compliance, Park Central Office Building, 111 Park Central Square, Suite 111, (417) 836-4252. Other types of
concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be
brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head. Please visit the Office for Institutional Equity
and Compliance website at http://www.missouristate.edu/equity.
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DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION
To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Director of the Disability Resource Center,
Carrington Hall 302, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY), www.missouristate.edu/disability. Students are
required to provide documentation of disability to the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving
accommodations. The Disability Resource Center refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning
Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. For
information about testing, contact the Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic at (417) 836-4787 or visit
http://psychology.missouristate.edu/ldc.
STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Please make every effort to resolve any problems/issues with your instructor. If you are unable to resolve the
situation with your instructor, you may contact the Director of First-Year Programs, Dr. Mike Wood, at (417)
836-8343 or visit the office of First-Year Programs, located in University Hall 205.
CELL PHONE USE POLICY
As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of
the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts
the class. Therefore, the Office of the Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or similar
communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent (vibrate)
mode and ordinarily should not be taken out during class. Given the fact that these same communication devices
are an integral part of the University’s emergency notification system, an exception to this policy would occur
when numerous devices activate simultaneously. When this occurs, students may consult their devices to determine
if a university emergency exists. If that is not the case, the devices should be immediately returned to silent mode
and put away. Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the instructor.
POLICY REGARDING DROPPING A CLASS
It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this
class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be
financially obligated to pay for the class. For information about dropping a class or withdrawing from the
university, contact the Office of the Registrar at 836-5520.
DROP DATES/REFUND INFORMATION
 Last Day to Drop Full Semester Classes at 100% Credit/Refund: August 22, 2014
 Last Day to Drop Full Semester Classes at 75% Credit/Refund: August 29, 2014
 Last Day to Drop Full Semester Classes at 50% Credit/Refund: September 15, 2014
 Last Day to Drop Full Semester Classes at 25% Credit/Refund: October 15, 2014
 Last day to Drop or Withdraw, declare Pass/Not-Pass, and Change to or from Audit for Full Semester Classes:
November 7, 2014
Other important dates and deadlines: Academic Calendar: http://calendar.missouristate.edu/academic.aspx
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Course Assignment Schedule
Be sure to read all assignments BEFORE each class. Assignments listed are due at the beginning of class on that day unless otherwise
noted. More information about assignments will be presented in class. The following schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Date
Topic or Event
Readings
Assignments Due
August 17
New Student Convocation
Aug 18 (M)
First Day of Classes
GEP 101 Overview
Aug 20 (W)
Campus Scavenger Hunt
Getting to know Missouri
State’s campus and history
 Syllabus and course
requirements
 Schedule Meeting with Instructor and
Student Info Sheet (Must be completed
by Friday, October 3)
August 22
Library Welcome Event | 6–8pm
Aug 25 (M)
Aug 27 (W)
Sept 1 (M)
Beginning College
Introduce Campus Resources
Presentation
Time Management
 “Beginning College,” Chapter 1
from Step by Step
 Step by Step (SBS) Blackboard
Discussion Board
 “Managing Your Time,” Chapter
2 from Step by Step
 SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
 E-mail to instructor due by Friday,
August 29 at 11:59 pm
Enjoy your day off!
Sept 8 (M)
Labor Day Holiday
No Classes
Effective Note-taking
 SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
 “Listening & Taking Notes,”
Introduce Searchpath
Chapter 6 from Step by Step
Public Affairs Mission
 Briefly look over the Public
The Ethical Citizen: Can You
Affairs website
http://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu
Make a Difference?
September 10
Study Away Fair | PSU Atrium | 11am–2pm
Sept 10 (W)
Campus Resources
Sept 3 (W)
Sept 15 (M)
Reading Tips
Introduce Common Reader
Sept 17 (W)
Getting Involved on Campus
Common Reader Discussion
Preparing for tests and exams
Sept 22 (M)
Sept 24 (W)
Career Center Presentation
Resumes, Cover Letters
 Campus Resource Presentations
(flyers must be submitted on
Blackboard prior to the start of class)
September 15- 19
Public Affairs Week
 “Reading for Success,” Chapter 7
from Step by Step
September 16
Library Movie Night | 6pm
 The Heart and the Fist
Preface and Part One (Ch. 1-3)
 “Taking Exams & Tests,”
Chapter 9 from Step by Step
 “Majors & Career Choices,”
Chapter 12 from Step by Step
 SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
 Common Reader Quiz 1 on Blackboard
due before start of class
 SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
 SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
 Briefly look over the Career Center
website and bring questions to class
http://careercenter.missouristate.edu
Sept 29 (M)
Oct 1 (W)
September 25
Majors Fair | PSU Ballroom | 9am–3pm
Introduce Career Research
 The Heart and the Fist
Assignments
Chapters 4-5
Common Reader Discussion
Information Literacy
 “Technology in College,”
Discuss Search Path
Chapter 3 from Step by Step
Social Media
6
 Common Reader Quiz 2 on
Blackboard due before start of class
 Searchpath, modules 1-6
 SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
 Meeting with Instructor and Student
Oct 6 (M)
Oct 8 (W)
Advisement Presentation
with ________ from the
Academic Advisement Center
Writing and Research
MLA/APA format and
Citations
 The Heart and the Fist
Chapters 6-7


 “Communicating Clearly,”
Chapter 8 from Step by Step


Info Sheet must be completed by
Friday, October 3
Common Reader Quiz 3 on Blackboard
Bring questions about advising and
registration to class
SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
Skim MLA/APA Guide on Writing
Center website:
http://writingcenter.missouristate.edu/24690.
htm
Oct 9-10
 Enjoy your time off!
Fall Break
No Classes
October 13-18
Homecoming Week
Oct 13 (M)
Mid-Semester Check-in
Re-visit Time Management
and Study Skills
Oct 15 (W)
Academic Integrity
Introduce Collaborative
Public Affairs Presentation
Discuss Common Reader
Chapters 6-13
Career Research
Presentations
Oct 20 (M)
Oct 22 (W)
 Resume and Cover Letter
 The Heart and the Fist
Chapters 8-10
 Common Reader Quiz 4 on Blackboard
due before start of class
 The Heart and the Fist
Chapters 11-13
 Common Reader Quiz 5 on Blackboard
due before start of class
 Career Research Paper
Oct 27 (M)
October 25
Stomp Out Hunger All-Collegiate Shoe Drive Culminating Event
Finish Career Research
 Common Reader Quiz 6 on Blackboard
 Finish The Heart and the Fist
Presentations
due before start of class
(Chapters 14-15, Epilogue, and
Common Reader Discussion
Afterwards)
Oct 29 (W)
October 28
Public Affairs Convocation Lecture
Eric Greitens, author of The Heart and the Fist
Learning Styles
 SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
 “How You Learn,” Chapter 4
Convocation Discussion
from Step by Step
Critical Thinking
 SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
 “Thinking Critically,” Chapter 5
from Step by Step
 Common Reader Reflection Paper
Nov 3 (M)
Nov 5 (W)
MSU Real L.I.F.E. Presentation
 “Managing Money,” Chapter 10
from Step by Step
 SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
 Bring questions about finances and
money to class
November 6
Library Movie Night | 6pm
Nov 10 (M)
Nov 12 (W)
Nov 17 (M)
VAWA
Safety in college
Ethical Leadership
 Registration Assignments (Advisor
Appointment, Schedule, Degree Audit
and Graduation Plan)
Nov 19 (W)
Collaborative Public Affairs
TBA
Public Affairs
Nov 24 (M)
Public Affairs
Nov 26-28
 Collaborative Public Affairs Group
Projects/Presentations
 Collaborative Public Affairs Group
Projects/Presentations
 Eat lots of yummy food and enjoy your
break!
Thanksgiving Holiday
No Classes
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Dec 1 (M)
Dec 4 (W)
Dec 6-11
Cultural Competence
Appreciating Diversity
Last Day of Class
Wrap-up and Review
“Appreciating Diversity,” Chapter
11 from Step by Step
Final Exam Period (See below for your section’s exam time)
For a listing of all final times, visit
www.missouristate.edu/registrar/finalexam.html
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 SBS Blackboard Discussion Board
 Final Reflection Paper
Assignment Summaries
E-MAIL TO THE INSTRUCTOR
To ensure that your MyMissouriState and Windows Live e-mail accounts are in working order, I will send you
an email with a list of questions to answer. Reply to my email with your answers. Be sure to use the proper
subject line according to my email policy for full points.
MEETING WITH INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT INFO SHEET
Sign up for a time to meet with me outside of class for about 10 minutes to discuss academic goals, answer
additional questions, and get to know each other. Bring your Student Info Sheet to the meeting. If something
comes up and you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, you are responsible for letting me know
PRIOR to the meeting or points will be deducted.
STEP BY STEP DISCUSSION BOARD POSTS
You are responsible for the material in assigned chapters of the required course textbook, Step by Step to
College and Career Success. There will be a discussion board on Blackboard for each chapter we cover.
You are responsible for making at least one post about the assigned reading prior to the start of class.
Posts should be well thought out and at least 100 words in length. Your 10 best scores will be counted
towards your final grade.
CAMPUS RESOURCES PRESENTATION
Work in teams to research and present an item from the Campus Resource list provided in class. The
presentation should answer the following questions:
 Where is the office located?
 What resources does the office have for students?
 What else should the class know about the resource?
Everyone in the group must be involved in the presentation. In addition, your group must prepare a flyer/poster
for classmates to reference throughout the semester. Be as visually appealing and informative as possible when
creating this. The best flyer will earn 5 points of extra credit. You must submit the flyer on Blackboard before
the start of class on presentation day. A rubric will be provided in class.
SEARCHPATH TUTORIAL
This tutorial will teach you how to properly use all of the library’s resources. You may access Searchpath at the
following link: http://library.missouristate.edu/tutorial/. Be sure to sign in using your student log-in and
password. There are six modules, with quizzes accessible after completion of each module. The quizzes can be
taken over and over without penalty. To receive full credit, you will need to print out and turn in your quiz
scores for each module. Each module should take no more than 10-15 minutes to complete. Take the quizzes
until you earn 100%. Print off your quiz results and bring them to class on the due date.
RÉSUMÉ AND COVER LETTER
Create a résumé that you can use when applying for jobs or internships. Explore different resources for career
searching. Using one of those resources, find a job opening that you are interested in, either presently or in the
future, and write a cover letter for it. Attach a print out of the job posting to your cover letter. Examples of
résumés and cover letters will be discussed in class.
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CAREER RESEARCH PAPER AND PRESENTATION
Utilizing at least 3 reliable sources, construct a 2-4 page research paper on a career you are interested in
pursuing. Be sure to use proper MLA/APA format, in-text citations, and a Works Cite page. You will prepare a
short presentation on your chosen career. A rubric for both the paper and presentation will be provided in class.
COMMON READER REFLECTION PAPER
You will need to read The Heart and the Fist in its entirety. We will discuss the book in class, in addition to the
quizzes you will complete on Blackboard. This is not a book report. Rather, discuss your reactions to the book
and reflect on its significance and relation to the Public Affairs mission. A rubric will be provided in class.
ADVISOR APPOINTMENT AND SCHEDULE
In order to register for next semester’s classes, you must meet with and be released by your academic advisor.
Be sure to have your advisor sign the Advisor Appointment Verification form for proof of the visit. After
meeting with your advisor, you should have a clear idea of what courses to register for next semester. Provide a
possible schedule of your classes for next semester utilizing the template found on Blackboard or the Trial
Schedule Builder tool on your MyMissouriState. Attach the verification form to your schedule.
DEGREE AUDIT AND GRADUATION PLAN
You can submit a degree audit under the Academics tab of your MyMissouriState. I will demonstrate this
process in class. Remember to select “list all requirements” when submitting your audit. If you are undeclared,
run a What-If Analysis for a major you are interested in. Utilizing your degree audit, create a potential sequence
for a semester-by-semester plan that outlines what courses you can take to graduate. This does not lock you into
a major or class schedule, but it does show how to plan ahead. Attach the printer-friendly version of your degree
audit to your graduation plan.
COLLABORATIVE PUBLIC AFFAIRS GROUP PROJECT
You have several options for this presentation: (1) Perform volunteer work with other students in our class, and
then present (PowerPoint/discussion/poster) to the class about it. (2) Work in groups and do a poster
presentation illustrating what the public affairs mission means to you. (3) Collaborate with other students to
research an aspect of the public affairs mission and then present it to the class. I will offer other suggestions in
class—or if you have a public affairs presentation idea, please feel free to discuss it with me. You will receive a
rubric in class.
FINAL REFLECTION PAPER
At the end of the semester, you will reflect on the entire semester and discuss what you learned, specifically
about the Public Affairs Mission, collaboration, time management, and your future. You will receive more
information and a rubric in class.
IN-CLASS PARTICIPATION
As stated in the course policies, attendance is essential to your success. Each class period is worth 10 points.
You will receive 5 points for being on time to class. Likewise, you will lose 5 points if you are late to class. The
other 5 points can be earned through class participation and displaying proper class etiquette.
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Course Requirements Rubric
ASSIGNMENT
E-mail to the Instructor
POINTS POSSIBLE
10
Meeting with Instructor/Student Info Sheet
15
Step by Step Discussion Board Posts (10 @ 10 points)
100
Campus Resources Presentation
25
Searchpath Tutorial (6 modules)
60
Common Reader Quizzes (6 @ 20 pts.)
120
Common Reader Reflection Paper
100
Résumé and Cover Letter
20
Career Research Paper and Presentation
140
Advisor Appointment and Schedule
20
Degree Audit and Graduation Plan
20
Collaborative Public Affairs Group Project
150
Final Reflection Paper
50
In-class Participation
300
POINTS EARNED
1,130
TOTAL
Extra Credit Opportunities (up to 50 points)
INSTRUCTOR PROMISE
I promise I will do my best to help you understand what it means to be a successful college student at Missouri
State University. I will assist you in fostering the skills you need to have as a student, understand the Public
Affairs Mission, plan for your future academic and career successes, and create an enjoyable class experience if
you will attend all possible class sessions, monitor your progress, act in a civil manner, and commit to
completing all assignments to the best of your ability. Know that I am more than willing to help you to the best
of my ability, but it is ultimately your responsibility to seek resources to help yourself. I encourage all students
to speak to me if they have problems or questions concerning the course. Do not wait to seek assistance. Do not
hesitate to ask questions throughout the class about assignments, lesson plans, activities, readings, etc.
SYLLABUS CLAUSE AND CONTRACT
This syllabus may be revised and adapted throughout the semester to better serve the needs of the class. The
instructor may assign additional readings and/or assignments as needed. Additionally, decision to remain in this
class upon receipt of this syllabus serves as student’s acceptance of this syllabus as a binding contract, meaning
they agree with the terms set forth and the expectations of them as members of the class to learn, grow,
participate, and be a part of our classroom community.
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